Self-leveling pad assembly for woodwind instruments and method of use
AssigneeDorian Corporation d/b/a MusicMedic.com
InventorCurt Altarac
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Herein described are structures and assemblies used to level tone hole pads in woodwind instruments and methods of using the same. The structures and assemblies are self-leveling and include a gimbal support structure, a socket member, and a tone hole pad. The gimbal support structure attaches to a tone hole cover or cap and comprises a ball, stem and base. The socket member engages a housing positioned within the tone hole pad and the ball engages the socket member. Methods are provided for installation and use of the structures and assemblies.
Claims18
A self-leveling tone hole pad assembly comprising:
- a tone hole pad;
- a gimbal support member;
- a socket member;
- wherein said gimbal support member comprises a base, a stem, and a ball;
- and
- wherein said socket member comprises a socket column positioned on a first side of said socket member comprising a hollow interior and a column wall which defines the socket column, an opening to the hollow interior configured to receive said ball, and at least one relief cut through said column wall.
A method of installing a self-leveling tone hole pad assembly comprising the steps of:
- providing a self-leveling tone hole pad assembly comprising a tone hole pad;
- a gimbal support member;
- a socket member;
- wherein said gimbal support member comprises a base, a stem, and a ball;
- and wherein said socket member comprises a socket column positioned on a first side of said socket member comprising a hollow interior and a column wall which defines the socket column, an opening to the hollow interior configured to receive said ball, and at least one relief cut through said column wall;;
- snapping said socket member into the tone hole pad;
- inserting said ball into said socket column to secure said gimbal support member to said socket member;
- dispensing a predetermined volume of adhesive onto the base of said gimbal support member;
- contacting said adhesive containing base to an interior surface of a pad cup;
- and
- manipulating the planar positioning of said tone hole pad to test its self-leveling function.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.